Studying infrastructure's impact on sustainable consumer practices by exploring the case of boat maintenance practices in the Baltic Sea

This paper seeks to illustrate the role of infrastructure in shaping sustainable consumer practices. We explore the case of leisure boat maintenance which contributes to polluting the marine environment as hazardous substances... [ view full abstract ]

This paper seeks to illustrate the role of infrastructure in shaping sustainable consumer practices. We explore the case of leisure boat maintenance which contributes to polluting the marine environment as hazardous substances like copper and zinc from antifouling paints are released when boaters maintain their boat (Helcom, 2010; Dahlström et al. 2014).

Around 3.5 million leisure boats can be found in the Baltic Sea (Dahlström et al. 2014). In general boats need maintenance in order to extend their lifetime and to be able to use them efficiently and safely. This maintenance work is mainly done by the boat owners themselves. Such activities typically include preparation work in the spring, such as scraping and sanding preparation before hull painting, the actual painting and cleaning work such as washing the boat hull in the autumn after the boat pulled is out of the water for winter storage. There are a wide range of paints used on boat hulls. Of particular concern are antifouling paints which are used to keep algae and encrusting organisms such as barnacles from attaching to the hull below the waterline. Such growth limits maneuverability and adds drag that in turn increases fuel costs. In order to reduce the attachment of living marine organisms to the boat hull anti-fouling paint often contains biocides such as copper and zinc. During maintenance work, such as scraping, paint fragments are removed and can pollute either the surrounding water or soil (Eklund & Eklund, 2014). Providing boat yards with an optimum infrastructure, such as a wash water collecting system and boat wash, can decrease the spread of toxins in the marine environment.

To describe how infrastructure shapes boat maintenance practices in a sustainable or unsustainable way we conducted case studies of five different boatyards around Baltic Sea. Our findings show that a relationship exists between infrastructures and sustainable boat maintenance practices. Furthermore the linkages between material elements of consumption practice and infrastructure are highlighted. This study contributes to a broader understanding of sustainable consumer practices and delineates how infrastructures are drivers or barriers of sustainable consumption practices.

Keywords: Sustainable consumer practice, Infrastructure, Boating.